• For the first time in history, fans who live in all 50 states had tickets to attend the Gator Bowl game, thanks to alumni from the University of Nebraska.
• In addition to live radio broadcasts by the Nebraska Sports Network, Gator Bowl attendees from The Nation’s Heartland brought something else to the Landing: a culinary delicacy called a “Runza.” Think of the meat portion of a Lubi — plus cabbage — baked inside a yeast roll. When asked if she was looking forward to being able to order a Runza in Jacksonville, one fan wearing a Cornhuskers T-shirt replied, “We can get those at home. I’m here to eat shrimp!”
• Landing Public Relations Director Rachel Nudge said 2008 ran true to form in at least one respect: Just like every year, several people called to ask what time they were going to shoot the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Nudge told callers they had decided to do it at midnight this year.
• Since there isn’t any glass on the north side under the sign, those workers on the scaffold at the Hyatt obviously aren’t window washers. They are re-caulking and sealing that side of the building.
• Updating a previous story, Jan. 9 will be the first Destination Downtown, a joint venture between Downtown venues Maverick’s, Twisted Martini, Mark’s, Dive Bar, Northstar Substation and Ivy Ultra Bar and the Hyatt and Omni hotels. A Web site detailing the Friday event just went live as well, www.destinationdowntownjax.com.